Happy Friday! It has been quite the busy summer so far. I feel like every weekend since the beginning of May we have had some type of event/commitment. This weekend is the first one we don’t have any plans, besides it being Father’s Day.
Last weekend we went to Nashville to see my dad become ordained at his church. We decided to head up a day early so we could spend some time doing fun things around town. I hadn’t been to Nashville in about 10 years, so it was nice to be back. I feel like Nashville is a bigger, cleaner Birmingham. We were excited to show Zoe around.
We started out with lunch at Paula Dean’s, and found a few fun video game stores to look around at. We then headed over to the Cool Springs area to take Zoe to American Girl. Needless to say, it was instant love. She is obsessed with Wellie Wishers and finally got her first doll. She chose Willa.
Zoe carried Willa around everywhere the rest of the trip. Unfortunately, my tire pressure lights started going crazy and we realized we had a nail in the shoulder of our tire. Thank goodness for technology! NTB was right near where we were, so we had a 2 hour pitstop and an expensive tire change out before we headed to our hotel to check in.
CMA Fest was in Nashville when we went, and the hotel rates were insane. We ended up staying at Marriot Vanderbilt, which was across from the Parthenon. After we got checked it, we walked over there and explored.
After walking around the area for a little while, we settled on eating at the restaurant at our hotel because they had outdoor seating, Central Bar + Grill. It was an amazing experience. We had the best service, and they had crab meat hushpuppies. The best I have EVER had.
The next morning, we took Zoe to Parlor Doughnuts (best ever!!!!) and then grabbed coffees from Three Brothers Coffee before heading up to my dad’s church. It was a wonderful day.
Zoe’s school does a lot of fun summer activities for the kids. Last week they had Super Hero Day, and all the kiddos dressed like super heroes. Every Wednesday they have water day, and every Friday the ice cream truck comes and they get to bring money and pick out a treat. Needless to say, Zoe is living her best life.
Favorite Finds: About a month ago, I got myself some new sneakers to work out in. I decided to try Brooks for the first time, and I am in love! I haven’t had to wear them in or get used to them or anything. I just threw them on one morning and went about my workout, slaying. LOVE. These are the ones I chose, in Lilac.
Favorite Book Purchase: I ordered Memory Making Mom for my morning quiet time and have been really enjoying it so far!!! The book basically talks about how you can turn little moments into special memories for you and your family. She gives lots of practical tips and advice, and a list of 200 ideas to make traditions for your family. “You never know what traditions your children will treasure the rest of their lives.” I will have a full review when I finish, I am about half done now. I just wanted to share since we are going into summer, and now is the perfect time to slow down and make a few of those special traditions!
Favorite Funnies:
Linking up for Friday Favorites. Have a great weekend!
16 Comments
My boys made the Parthenon a stop for us on our Nashville trip as they were all huge Percy Jackson fans at the time and we had just finished listening to the series where Percy stopped there in Nashville. I think it’s still one of the highlights of their trip there!
How fun!!! I didn’t even realize it was there the last few times I was up there. I am not sure how I missed it. It was cool to walk around.
You were right near my family! Vanderbilt is where my daughter has her lab she runs… so we’re by the Parthenon a lot when we’re down there. Isn’t Nashville just the coolest little place
How fun! I love visiting Nashville. I have been up there a handful of times, but none recently until now. Definitely love how close we live to some other big cities to do weekend trips like this.
Nashville looked like a blast! Crab meat hushpuppies!? Yes please!! Also, shout-out to all the teachers who take the time to send us photos of the kids during the day – it’s always so awesome to see them having the best time. Hope you have a good weekend – Happy Father’s Day to Chris!
Definitely thankful for teacher’s pictures!! I am still dreaming about those hushpuppies. They melted in your mouth when you took a bite.
Looks like a weekend of fantastic eats! Yum!
Congrats to your dad!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Nashville…It’s always fun to see a new city. I’m surprised you’ve managed to hold off on American Girl for this long!
I cant believe we made it this long without going to American Girl either. Nashville is a fun city. It is definitely a different trip this year with Zoe, vs the twenty-something childless version of ourselves from 10 years ago last time we were there haha.
I haven’t been to Nashville in probably 7 years but I imagine going back with kids is much different LOL! So exciting for your dad – huge congrats to him! Love Zoe’s summer dresses π
It is definitely a different city with kids lol. We still had lots of fun. Zoe’s wardrobe is forever better than mine.
CRAB. HUSH PUPPIES? Whoa.
Yes!!!! They basically melted in your mouth. Highly recommend if you can find some.
Sounds like a fun trip. I’ve only been to Nashville once but it’s been awhile – I’d love to go back! I’ve heard good things about Brooks; I should look into them soon.
I have always wanted to go to Nashville. And now I really want to go. Looks like a fun trip other than the nail in the tire.
I have still never been to Nashville, and can’t wait to check it out. All that food looks amazing especially the donuts, and YAY for Z’s first American Girl doll. I still have my Kirsten doll, and can’t wait for Serena to get into the books <3
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